Methods and Theories in the Study of Religions

by Penumala Pratap Kumar

Do the categories such as God and religion as used in english and in the Western discourse capture the meaning and intent in Indian relgions in order for them to be used effectively in the context of Indian relgions. The book attempts to interrogate the categories used in western discourse in the study of religion. In doing so the book outlines a broad overview of the discussions on issues relating to the methods and theories in the study of religion with a special focus on the study of Indian relgions. It attempts to introduce students of religion as it developed in the west and at the same time provides an insight into some of the key issues that need clarity in dealing with Indian religious. Penumala Pratap Kumar has studied in Indian for his undergraduate and postgraduate levels and received his PhD from the university of California Santa Goddess Lakshmi: The divine consort in south Indian Vaishnave tradition Hindus in south Africa and has together with Knut Jacobsen edited the volume on south Asians in the Diaspora.